“Ender’s Game”
Literary Analysis
Success Academy
A literary analysis paper is a paper you write to look closely at a story and its
parts. Specifically, the paper you will be writing will examine the setting, plot,
characters, and theme. There is no required length for this paper. Develop each
paragraph fully with a topic sentence and support for that topic sentence, and you’ll
be set!
Paragraph 1
Describe the setting of the story.
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During what time period does the story take place? (This may not be specific
in the story. Go with what the context clues tell you.)
Where does the story take place?
Describe the setting with details from the story (2-3 sentences).
What is the mood the setting seems to reveal? Is the setting happy and
lively? Dark and depressing? Explain what the setting tells you about the
mood of the story.
Paragraph 2
Describe the plot of the story and the conflict that occurs.
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Give a brief summary of the story.
What is the conflict in the story? Describe in detail.
o Internal – character is trying to control themselves or make a decision
o External – character is fighting against something outside themselves,
such as another person or an animal or even the weather
What does the main character (or characters) do to deal with the
problem/conflict?
How is the problem/conflict resolved?
Paragraph 3
Describe the main character: Ender.
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Describe Ender: how does he behave and what is his personality like?
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What is your reaction to Ender? For example:
o Do you like him?
o Do you feel sorry for him?
Paragraph 4
Explain the theme of the book.
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First, state the theme as a sentence that does not mention specific details
from the story. For example, the theme of “The Little Mermaid” might be
stated as, “True love conquers all.”
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Then, using details from the story, explain how the story backs up this
statement.
Paragraph 5
Describe your personal impressions of the story.
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Write about how you felt about the story.
o Did you like it or not?
o What did you feel while reading it?
o Could you relate to the story or characters?
Literary Analysis Outline/Brainstorming
“Ender’s Game” is set in
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The plot of the story is
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The character Ender is
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The theme of the story is
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My personal impression of “Ender’s Game” is
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